John Hentschel Sr.

DANVERS – Mr. John Hentschel, Sr., 91, of Danvers, formerly of Annisquam Village, Gloucester, loving husband of 67 years to Joline (Weber) Hentschel, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024 at Beverly Hospital with his devoted family by his side.
Born in Chicago, John was the son of the late Joseph G. and Martha (Rzepka) Hentschel. He was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Fenwick High School before going on to obtain his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. John built a successful career marked by innovation and achievement, holding three patents. In St. Paul, Minnesota, where he took his first job at Western Electric, he met his wife, Joline, on her first day of work-a meeting that marked the beginning of their inseparable bond. They started their family in New Jersey before relocating to Hamilton, MA, when John was transferred to a position at Varian in Beverly.
John's intellect and passion for learning were evident not only in his professional life but also in the many hobbies that brought him joy. He enjoyed the excitement of navigating the stock market which enabled him to retire early. John was also an avid golfer, painter, and an enthusiastic boater. His creativity and appreciation for art shone through in his painting. And as a Lifetime Member of the Annisquam Yacht Club, former owner of the Lobster Cove Boat Livery, and active participant in an adult sailing club, he loved spending time on the water. Together with his wife, John was a devoted member of the Annisquam Village Players, where he contributed to the community theater group as a builder and performer for thirty years. John and Joline traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states, Europe and wintering many years in Florida. In retirement, John enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow retirees in the informal Romeo (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club, where lively conversations and good meals were always at the center of their gatherings.
John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he instilled in them the values of faith, hard work, and love that guided him throughout his remarkable journey. A devout Catholic, John dedicated many years to teaching Sunday school and sharing his love for faith with the community. He took pride in being an active member of the Knights of Columbus, once serving as president of the Holy Name Society.
In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his siblings, Joey, Leonard and Lucille Hentschel.
John is survived by his wife, Joline (Weber) Hentschel, his sons, John Hentschel Jr, of Gloucester, Neil Hentschel (Kristin) of North Andover, his daughters, Lynn Ellington (Rich) of Danvers, Cheryl Raimondi (Paul) of Annisquam, his grandchildren, Larissa, Elysia, Stephen and William Hentschel, Amelia and Adam Ellington, Eric and Abby Raimondi and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's Funeral Mass which will be held at St. Richard Parish, 90 Forest St., Danvers on Saturday, December 21st at 11 A.M. A private burial will take place at Mt. Adnah Cemetery, Annisquam at a later date. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Friday, December 20th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembering John through a donation to The Open Door of Gloucester (www.foodpantry.org) and The National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
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